Why is Gillian Anderson leaving The X-Files? Recently, Anderson revealed why is departing the FOX TV show after 11 seasons, TVLine reports.
Anderson has played the show’s co-lead, Dana Scully, since the sci-fi drama debuted in 1993 and has been part of every season. In the latest season, Anderson is joined by David Duchovny, Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis, Annabeth Gish, Bruce Harwood, Tom Braidwood, and Dean Haglund.
At this year’s TCA winter press tour, Anderson said she is leaving The X-Files because she simply wants to move on:
[T]here are lots of things that I want to do in my life and career. It’s been an extraordinary opportunity. I’m extremely grateful. [But] I don’t want to be tied down to doing one thing for months and months… I like to be challenged as an actor. That’s why I got into this business. And it’s time for me to hang up Scully’s hat. This is it for me — I’m really serious.”
Anderson’s departure throws the future of the FOX series into uncharted territory. Earlier, creator Chris Carter said he can’t imagine The X-Files without either Scully and Mulder:
For me, the show has always been Mulder & Scully. So the idea of doing the show without her isn’t something I’ve ever had to consider.”
What do you think? Are you a fan of The X-Files? Would you watch a new season without Gillian Anderson?
I have always loved the X-Files. I have loved every season and was so happy when they brought the X-files back. I would miss Scully so very much, but I understand that Gillian wants to move on. I do believe the show can go on with all the other major characters still there. Fox Mulder is still passionate about the truth, there is still so much unexplained events that happen, that there would be plenty of X-files still to explore. It would be exciting to see Fox with a new partner. Lots of new territory to explore. So I am… Read more »
I really like Scully, but I feel that she hasn’t been very happy in the newer series. I would welcome a new face that would have perhaps some intriguing mystery behind her. There are a lot of scenarios that I can imagine her history to have, but I hope that the writers find the thought of adding a new character with a lot of depth and intrigue would be very interesting!
I love Gillian but I feel her heart hasn’t been it in just the two episodes so far. Of course I am still reeling/disgusted with E2 revelations. David is so versatile he could continue championing his passion with a new partner but not sure how this would go over in the ratings. I hate to see this show go but maybe if we wait like 12 years then Gillian would be up for another short run. Just my thoughts.
No Scully and or Fox, then no X-Files! My thoughts only! They did make the show! Only reason I will buy season’s 10 and 11 is because they are in it. That will complete my collection! Just can’t see a show called that without them in it.
Again, that’s just me!
The X-Files without Scully is like peanut butter without jelly, do-able but not nearly as good. The show was on “Hiatus” for 15 years. If there was anything she wanted to do, she could have done it then. She’s done a couple of things, but not much that I know of. She should be smart and ride this cash cow for as long as possible. It’s a reliable income stream for the cast and crew, we die-hard fans will always keep coming back for more.
Not everything is about money and smart actors want to be challenged. Also, look up Ms Anderson on IMDb.
Would miss Scilly but would love to see Anabeth Gish be more involved. I love Annabeth!
Maybe it’s time to pair the peanut butter with chocolate or something else. The X-Files is a division of the FBI, so it’s not like she has to remain. As much as Scully is the largest part of the show, the show and stories can easily move on without her. The ratings will probably kill the show anyway. It’s easy to see Miller and Einstein as essentially younger knock-offs of Fox and Dana, but that team with Mulder can still work going forward. I would actually rather see a new series, with or without Einstein & Miller, moved to FX,… Read more »
I quite like peanut butter without jelly better.
If Mulder there I would watch but would miss Scully!
I agree with Chris Carter. If Gillian leaves, then X-Files should end.